Dover's St. Mary Academy honors 100 years of Catholic education

Tuesday

Nov 20, 2012 at 3:15 AMNov 20, 2012 at 5:30 AM

By Andrea Bulfinchabulfinch@fosters.com

DOVER — Welcoming roughly 500 people Monday evening, and celebrating 100 years of excellence in Catholic education, Father Aggie Jean, Jr. led the opening prayer during St. Mary Academy's Centennial mass.

Before a packed school gymnasium, Jean said he was very pleased to be part of the ceremony and celebration for an institution he said has a great reputation.

“The children who come through these doors of education were truly taught to see the love of the Lord,” he said of generations of students both past and present adding that “ many a child and their parents have come through those doors.”

Joined by Reverend Dennis Audet, interim superintendent of the school; Rev. Michael Taylor; and Deacon Robert Gagnon, Jean was also accompanied by a handful of students who continued to lead the mass in prayer.

Taking a moment at the podium to pray for victims of Hurricane Sandy; safe travels for those traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday; those suffering from poverty, hunger and homelessness; the hundreds of people gathered at SMA Monday evening, the school itself during its 100th year and “the special attentions we hold dear in our hearts,” student participation was a large part of the ceremony.

The choir comprised of kindergarten students through eighth graders sang throughout the service providing a cheerful musical component.

As the traditional Catholic mass unfolded, attendants exchanged greetings of peace with one another, took part in receiving communion, and Audet took a moment to honor principal Carrie Wood and thank her for her dedication to the school.

“I think it's one of the best things I've done so far,” he said of interviewing Wood and selecting her as principal.

Celebrating mass just days before the Thanksgiving holiday, Audet asked students to do one thing as they join with family and loved ones on Thursday.

“Thank your parents and I want you to hug them for the great gift of Catholic education,” he said, cheering for 100 years more years of St. Mary Academy.

“One hundred years of school is something to truly celebrate,” he said.